Hardside Luggage vs Softside Luggage: Which is Best?

Deciding which type of luggage is superior heavily relies on your personal travel needs and style. If your priorities lean towards durability and protecting fragile items, hardside luggage, such as those from the Luna-Air or Arlo collection, would be your best bet. These cases are designed to protect the contents inside, providing an effective safeguard for your belongings.

Alternatively, softside luggage excels in flexibility and storage capacity. The soft material can stretch slightly, offering precious extra packing room – a godsend for last-minute packers or those who can't resist a shopping spree during their travels. Duffle bags, for example, are an excellent soft luggage choice for travellers needing a bag that can expand to meet varying travel demands.

Disadvantages of Hard Shell Luggage

Despite their durability, hard shell luggage has a few drawbacks. Firstly, they can be prone to noticeable scratches and scuffs. While these cosmetic imperfections don’t affect the luggage's functionality, they can detract from the aesthetic appeal, particularly for those who value their luggage's appearance.

Additionally, hardside luggage can be inflexible when trying to squeeze in an extra item. Their rigid structure leaves little room for additional packing beyond what they are designed to accommodate.

Storage can also be an issue. Whilst sets of hardside luggage may nest within each other for efficient storage (like our Luna-Air and Arlo ranges), they generally occupy more space than softside counterparts when not in use.

Do Hard Shell Suitcases Crack Easily?

Hard shell suitcases vary in their durability and robustness. Some are susceptible to cracking under pressure, particularly those manufactured with cheaper, lower-quality materials. If cracks occur, it is nearly always a result of airline damage and rough baggage handlers.

If you are looking to spend a little extra, you may be able to reduce the likelihood of cracks occurring by purchasing cases crafted from polycarbonate or polypropylene.

Packing Strategies for Hard and Soft Luggage

Maximising your luggage's potential requires an effective packing strategy. For hardside luggage, as space is rigid, strategic packing is crucial. Start with heavy items on the bottom and wrap fragile items with clothing for additional protection. Take advantage of every square inch, including the space inside shoes, for small items like socks or chargers.

For softside luggage, the ability to expand offers a bit more freedom. However, to keep your items in place and avoid wrinkling, use packing cubes or compression bags. These can also help segment your items, keeping your luggage organised.

Your travel needs and habits should guide your choice of luggage. Frequent travellers might appreciate the durability and protection offered by hardside luggage, especially when travelling with items that need extra protection. However, softside luggage might be more suitable for those who need flexibility and the ability to fit their luggage into tight spaces, such as overhead compartments on planes or packed car boots.

Think about the typical conditions your luggage will face. If you often travel to places with adverse weather conditions, hardside luggage, with its superior water and element resistance, may be a smart choice. Conversely, if you frequently travel by car or train, the flexibility and space efficiency of softside luggage may prove advantageous.

Pros and Cons of Hardside Luggage:

Pros:

• Protection: Hardside luggage provides excellent protection for delicate items due to its rigid structure. If you frequently travel with fragile belongings, a hard shell suitcase might be your safest bet.
• Water-resistance: Hard cases are often more resistant to water and other elements compared to soft luggage. This characteristic makes them a wise choice for trips involving rainy or snowy conditions.
• Ease of maintenance: Hardside luggage is generally easier to clean and maintain. A simple wipe-down can remove most stains or dirt, keeping your luggage looking its best.
• Aesthetic appeal: Hardshell suitcases, with their sleek lines and glossy finish, typically offer a more modern and high-end look compared to softside luggage.

Cons:

• Visible wear and tear: Hard cases might show wear and tear, such as scratches and scuffs, more noticeably.
• Limited flexibility: Due to their rigid structure, hard cases are less forgiving when trying to squeeze in extra items.
• Storage issues: When not in use, hard cases can take up more storage space due to their inability to compress. (Because of this, we have made sure all our cases nest inside each-other for compact storage).

Pros:

• Flexibility: Softside luggage can expand and flex, accommodating last-minute additions to your packing list.
• Exterior pockets: These types of luggage often come with outside pockets, providing extra organisation options and easy access to travel essentials.
• Space adaptability: Soft cases are typically easier to fit into tight spaces, such as overhead bins or car boots, thanks to their flexibility.

Cons:

• Protection: Softside luggage generally provides less protection for fragile items due to its flexible nature.
• Cleaning challenges: Fabric-based soft luggage can be more difficult to clean, especially when dealing with stubborn stains or spills.
• Weather sensitivity: Soft luggage might not withstand harsh weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow, as effectively as hard cases.
• Less Fashionable: If you are all about airport fashion, you’ll probably want to opt for a hardside case, as they are a lot more sleek and stylish. Softside luggage is often limited in terms of colour and design. However, a cute duffle bag is a great work around and is perfect for carry-on luggage!

Luggage maintenance is a key consideration when choosing between hard and soft luggage. For hardside luggage, maintenance can be as straightforward as wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth. More stubborn stains or scuffs may require a specialised cleaning product, but the non-porous surfaces of hard cases generally make them easier to clean.

On the other hand, softside luggage can present a bit more of a challenge when it comes to maintenance. The fabric exteriors are prone to staining, and spills may require spot cleaning or even professional laundering. However, the durability of the fabric can be extended with regular care, and many softside luggage pieces come with removable and washable liners for easier upkeep.

Different travel scenarios may call for different luggage types. For air travel, the rigidity and security of hardside luggage can provide peace of mind, especially when it comes to protecting your possessions in the hull of a plane. Plus, their typically sleek and modern design might be appreciated by those who value the aesthetics of their travel gear.

For road trips or other forms of travel where luggage flexibility is paramount, softside luggage could be the best choice. The ability to squeeze your bag into a packed car boot or conform to the storage restrictions of trains or buses makes soft luggage a practical choice for these travel contexts. Plus, the exterior pockets common on softside luggage can keep your travel essentials within easy reach during your journey.

Performance in Various Weather Conditions

An often-overlooked aspect when choosing luggage is its performance under varying weather conditions. For the most part, hardside luggage outperforms softside luggage when it comes to protecting your belongings from the elements. Whether it's rain, snow, or sleet, hardside suitcases, like those found in our Arlo collection, will keep your contents dry and secure. This makes them an excellent choice for travelling to places with unpredictable or extreme weather conditions.

On the other hand, while many softside luggage pieces have some degree of water resistance, they might not hold up as well in heavy rain or snow. However, their flexibility can be a significant advantage in warmer climates where clothes are lighter, and more can be packed.

Use-Case Scenarios: Hardside vs Softside

Considering your typical use-case scenarios can also help determine whether hardside or softside luggage is the right fit. Are you a frequent flyer who needs a reliable suitcase to withstand potential knocks and bumps in transit? Then the durability of hardside luggage might appeal to you.

Perhaps you're an over-packer who needs the flexibility to stuff in extra souvenirs on the return journey. In that case, a softside bag from our duffle bags collection with its expandable design might be just the ticket.

Or maybe you’re packing for a work trip and require quick access to your laptop and documents. The external compartments found on softside luggage can be incredibly convenient for keeping essential items within easy reach.

Weighing Your Luggage: A Crucial Factor

Another essential factor is the weight of the luggage. Hardshell cases are generally heavier than their softside counterparts, which can be a concern if you're trying to stay within airline weight limits. That being said, advancements in luggage technology have led to the development of lightweight hardside luggage, such as the designs found in the Luna Air collection.

Choosing between hardside and softside luggage ultimately depends on your personal travel needs and preferences. If durability, protection, and a stylish appearance are your top priorities, a quality hardside suitcase, like a carry-on from our range, could be your best fit.

Conversely, if flexibility, extra packing convenience, and adaptability to tight spaces are key factors for you, a softside option like the versatile packable backpack or one of our weekender duffles bags might be best for you.

No matter your choice, the perfect luggage companion awaits to accompany you on your exciting travels. Safe journeys!